Common Name:

General Information

Asarum fauriei is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 15cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a spice. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[, ]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Japan (central and northern Honshu).

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Self, Flies
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[, ].
The flowers are malodorous and are mainly self-pollinated but are also pollinated by mycotrophic flies[, ].
Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[].

Edible Uses

Used as a spice[]. The report gives no more details, but it is most likely that the root is used and that it is a ginger substitute[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring.
Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.